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July 14, 2014

5 books on my future reading list

I love the way John Piper writes. There is such joy in it. I've learnt a lot from him and how to enjoy God and all he has made.

This particular book is about being born again.

Here's a quote from the author:

"When Jesus said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again" (John 3:7), he
was not sharing interesting and unimportant information.

He was leading
him to eternal life... If he does that for you (or if he already has),
then you are (or you will be) truly, invincibly, finally alive."

The Queen's Handmaid
Tracy Higley is becoming one of my favorite Christian fiction writers. Her stories are powerful and gospel-filled. They take us back in history and don't shy away from spiritual warfare that is part of our world.

Goodreads describes this book here:"Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned
at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working
hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been
rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But
then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet
Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those
watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest
thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City,
she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as
handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of
Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and
forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must
deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy
all hope of the coming Messiah."

Introverts in the Church

I've had this book on my shelf for awhile and being an introvert, I'm looking forward to reading what the author has to say about introverts in the church.
Amazon says here:

"Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be
extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians
end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert.

Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways
consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and
extroverts process information and approach relationships differently
and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit
who they are...Discover God's call and empowering to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom."

I loved Sandra Byrd's 'Ladies in Waiting' series,which tell the fictional stories of the ladies in waiting of Anne Boleyn, Kathryn Parr and Elizabeth I, while also telling the true stories of these queens.

This new series is described here on Sandra's website:

"In the first of a brand new series set
in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the
death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are
challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands......A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless."

This novel comes out in March of 2015.

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

I started this book awhile ago but only got a couple chapters in. I really want to get into it now and finish it.

I love British history, it's one of my favorites to read about. I think it's because my mom is from England, and so it's history is personal to me.

Goodreads says here of this biography:

"From the moment of her
ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen
Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through
the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s
most famous monarch?

Drawing on numerous interviews and
never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith
pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and
private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who has led her country and
Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last sixty years with
unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace......Compulsively readable and scrupulously researched, Elizabeth the Queen is
a close-up view of a woman we’ve known only from a distance,
illuminating the lively personality, sense of humor, and canny
intelligence with which she meets the most demanding work and family
obligations. It is also a fascinating window into life at the center of
the last great monarchy."

Thanks so much for these recommendations-- I am an avid reader (or at least when my tiny human allows me to be!) and I will definitely add a couple of these books to my list too! Stopping by from SDG sisterhood link up-- and so glad I did :-)

Being an introvert myself, I'd like to read Introverts in the Church too. I read the sample awhile back and really liked it.

Thanks for reminding me again of Finally Alive. I did read that one a couple years ago and was surprised at how much I loved it (although I do love almost all of John Piper's books so I shouldn't have been surprised). I need to get it back out again soon and re-read it.

I'm such an introvert and am so happy to see Introverts in the Church on your great list of books. I have never heard of that one, but will definitely be checking it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

I definitely want to read The Queen's Handmade! Plus, I have #6 for you that's right along those lines - The Advocate by Randy Singer. I just wrote a review here: http://www.lisalewiskoster.com/2014/07/the-advocate-by-randy-singer.html

Hi Cathy, I also have a pile of books that I have to get through. I love reading. I love your selection here too and will definitely take a look at them for future reading. Thanks for linking up on Winsome Wednesday, much appreciatedGod blessTracy

I'm an introvert, too, and really liked Introverts in the Church - gave me more hope that even introverts can serve and be involved in ministry. Our unique gifts have their places and benefits. You might also like "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. I really loved this book - gave me insight into how I 'tick' better than I've ever understood myself.

The book about introverts in the church really piques my curiosity. I will look it up! Very nice to read your choices, Cathy :) I wanted to also invite you to my new blog. Please feel free to drop by anytime and to leave as many comments as you want -- EVERYONE is welcome to do so as a matter of fact :-)

"The Queen's Handmaiden" is on my future to read list too as well as Sandra Byrd's! I read her novel "Roses Have Thorns" and absolutely loved her writing! Thanks for sharing at Booknificent Thursday! :)

I hadn't seen the books by Piper or Sandra Byrd yet, and they both look great! I just finished Sandra Byrd's French Twist trilogy this week and really enjoyed them. Thanks so much for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week! Tina

Welcome to my blog!
A blog of thoughts on books I've read with a few extra thoughts thrown in. : )
I'm a wife and mom of three. I love reading and learning, gardening and listening to good music and I love spending time with my family.
My hope is that this blog brings honor to the Lord and some encouragement for you.